MONTESANO – Three ocean beaches have passed a key health test, clearing the way for a series of razor-clam openings that begin today (Jan. 20).

Results of the test, which showed domoic acid levels to be well within acceptable limits at all three beaches, will allow the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to open the following areas to razor-clam digging as indicated below.

Long Beach will be open Jan. 20, 21 and 22 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

Twin Harbors Beach – including North Cove, Grayland and Westport areas – will also be open Jan. 20, 21 and 22 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

Copalis Beach, which includes Ocean Shores, Ocean City and Copalis, will open on Saturday, Jan. 22 only.

"We felt fairly confident that the tests conducted this week would allow us to proceed with the January openings, but it's great to actually get the green light," said Doug Simons, regional WDFW razor clam manager. "We know there's a lot of interest in digging for razor clams and we are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity."

Two beaches will remain closed during the winter months, but may reopen for spring digging, Simons said. Closed beaches include Kalaloch and the area known as Mocrocks, which includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Simons said thousands of clammers turned out for the five-day opening just before Christmas and most got their 15-clam daily limit, adding that the current recreational shellfish license is valid through March 31.

As previously announced, clam digging during the upcoming openings will be confined to the hours between noon and midnight. Diggers are reminded that they must take the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be in a separate container and no digging is allowed in the three-quarter mile reserves marked with orange poles and signs.

The Department of Health will continue testing for marine toxins through the proposed harvest period to ensure that the clams remain safe to eat.

2000 Winter Razor Clam SeasonsP.M. Digging Only

Beach Areas

Jan. 20

Jan. 21

Jan. 22

Feb. 19

Feb. 20

Long Beach

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

Twin Harbors/North Cove/Grayland/Westport

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

Copalis/Ocean Shores/Oyhut/Ocean City

CLOSED

CLOSED

OPEN

CLOSED

CLOSED

Moclips/Iron Springs/Pacific Beach/Roosevelt

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

Kalaloch

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

Kalaloch and Mocrocks which includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt, Pacific Beach and Moclips will remained closed until Spring when both beach areas may reopen for spring digging